Line by Line - Verse 24, Line 4

he who asserts his own views is not distinguished;
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~

He who is self-righteous is not respected.
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~

Those who presume themselves are not distinguished
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~

Nobody respects people who always have excuses.
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~

Just like the pompous person who must try to make themselves look stronger, smarter, richer or more popular than others, the self-righteous individual tries to convince themselves and anyone within 100 miles that they are more moral or ethical than anyone else. Unfortunately, if you must knock others down in order to elevate yourself, it means you really aren't so tall to begin with.

The sage doesn't waste the energy telling you how holy he is. He does what needs doing and doesn't seek any plaudits or commendations. He doesn't view himself as better or worse than anyone else. In fact, he doesn't play the comparison game at all.

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